How to identify, prevent and treat heat stroke in guinea pigs

What is heat stroke?Heat stroke hits guinea pigs very quickly when exposed to temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius and over. Guinea pigs in these temperatures only take around 10-15 minutes to begin suffering from heat stroke, with the results becoming detrimental very quickly.

How does it occur?When a guinea pig is exposed to temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius, their core body temperature begins to rise. As guinea pigs cannot sweat like humans can it's quick hitting and the detrimental effects are fast moving.

How can you identify it?Symptoms of heat stroke include lethargy, drooling, panting, convulsions, increased heart beat, weak limbs and an inability to move. Heat stroke can hit guinea pigs even when in the shade on a hot day so it is important not to rule it out.

How do you prevent it?The Australian summer, especially in Queensland, is no time for a guinea pig to be living permanently outside. Visits to outside grass when the weather cools in the evening or before the heat hits in the morning is advised instead. During these hot times, bring your guinea pigs inside and, if possible, run the air conditioner for them. If you do not have an air conditioner, take your guinea pigs over to a fan blowing onto the cage. In hot weather where air conditioning isn't an option, the use of ice packs works extremely well in cooling guinea pigs. Wrap the ice packs in a cloth or newspaper and you will find your guinea pig will lie on them to cool down. Ensure your piggies always have a full water bottle and that the water is clean and cool. You may also wish to use a spray bottle and lightly spray cool water over your piggies.

How do you treat it?Getting your guinea pig immediately to the vet is the best treatment option as they can administer sub cut fluids and electrolytes to your guinea pig that are fast moving and quickly absorbed. However, if you cannot get to the vet, follow the below treatment plan.

Cool your guinea pig. Place them in a bowl or sink of lukewarm (not cold) water up to 4cm deep. Gently and slowly spread this water over your guinea pig for approximately 10 minutes. Do not use cold water or submerse your guinea pig as this will cause their body to go into shock.

Hydrate your guinea pig. After cooling their core body temperature in the water it's time to rehydrate their bodies. Administer half strength hydralyte through a syringe extremely slowly via the corner of their mouth. Administer in small .25mL amounts so you do not aspirate them. If you do not have hydralyte use plain water.

Restore energy levels. Using the same method in step two, feed your guinea pig Nutrigel (available from vets and produce stores) or a small amount of honey mixed 3/4 with water. Feed 2mL every 2 hours until your guinea pig is more responsive.

Allow your guinea pig to recover in a quiet, dark, cool place in-between feeds. This will allow their body to rest and minimise stress.

Get to a vet as soon as you can.

​When should you see a vet?As soon as possible. Follow treatment outlined above ONLY if you cannot get to a vet.